On the eve of its 40th anniversary, the Nairobi Safari Club signed a partnership deal with hotel operator Swiss-Belhotel International to manage the all-suite hotel in the heart of Nairobi.
Located at the 16-storey Lilian Towers and owned by local hospitality investment firm Mukawa (Hotels) Holdings Ltd, Nairobi Safari Club is part of Swiss-Belhotel International’s Africa portfolio expansion strategy for the Hong Kong-based hotel management group
As part of the strategic partnership, the four-star hotel established in 1984 by the late Kenyan businessman and Member of Parliament, Stanley Munga Githunguri, will be rebranded as Nairobi Safari Club by Swiss-Belhotel.
Speaking when they jointly confirmed the partnership, Directors of Mukawa (Hotels) Holdings Ltd, Ms Clare Njeri Githunguri and Ms Lilian Joy Nyagaki Githunguri, said plans are underway to revamp the facilities and service offering of the hotel.
While paying tribute to their father’s legacy, Ms Clare Njeri Githunguri and Ms Lilian Joy Nyagaki Githunguri said the partnership with Swiss-Belhotel has been undertaken in keeping with the Honourable Stanley Munga Githunguri’s vision that Nairobi Safari Club be a premier hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
“We are pleased to announce the management partnership with Swiss-Belhotel International, one of the global hotel operators who share in our dream and passion for delivering a world-class city hotel,” they said.
They added that the overall revamp and uplift of the product and services at Nairobi Safari Club will be executed by Swiss-Belhotel.
The partnership, including international marketing business management and talent development, comes hot on the heels of the recent naming of Nairobi as the best city destination globally in the just released Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024.
Nairobi Safari Club by Swiss-Belhotel boasts 146 rooms, ranging from studio and panorama rooms to executive and presidential suites. It offers extensive conferencing facilities, including a 300-guest capacity grand ballroom.
The hotel also features a unique outdoor pool, a spa (with sauna and massage therapy), a modern and fully equipped gym. Other amenities include a well-stocked bar, two restaurants, round-the-clock room service, complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel, and secure private car parking facilities for hotel guests.
“As the tourism industry continues to grow in Africa, we are seeing an increased appetite for our world-class brands from hotel owners in the continent. Our accelerated growth trajectory in Nairobi reflects our confidence in the Kenyan market,” Swiss-Belhotel International’s Chairman and President, Mr. Gavin M. Faull, said.
Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President of Operations and Development, EMEA & India, and Senior Vice President of Group Human Resources and Talent Development at Swiss-Belhotel International, added: “This is a significant milestone for us. With an eye on the changing market dynamics, we are strategically building our portfolio to inspire more guests to experience our brands and hotels. Nairobi Safari Club’s iconic status and Swiss-Belhotel International’s operational excellence will undoubtedly create a unique hospitality offering in the heart of Nairobi.”
